J.P. Graziano, Malört and Wieners Circle announce merger as ‘J.P. Wienerlört’

The people demanded it, and now it's here. Which people? We're not sure, but certainly some of you.

Today, three Chicago icons—profane char-dog slingers The Wieners Circle, magical Italian meat playground J.P. Graziano and beloved/hated Wormwood demon-spirit Malört—announced plans to merge into the unholy Chicago Voltron of your dreams and become: J.P. Wienerlort. 

But before you roll your eyes at another April Fools' story clogging your news feed, J.P. Wienerlört will be a real thing for one magical night. On Friday, April 8 from 5–8 pm, The Wieners Circle (2622 N Clark St_ will host The Realist Chicago, a launch event of sorts for the Frankenbrand. At the event, guests can check out official limited J.P. Wienerlört merch and collaborative menu items like a Bloody Mary with Malört and sport-pepper-infused vodka (in a glass rimmed with J.P. Graziano’s Giardiniera Flakes), The Realist Chicago Cheese Fries loaded with cheese and J.P. Graziano’s Giardiniera, and a Wieners Circle char dog with J.P. Graziano’s Giardiniera and a poppy seed bun. If that's not enough Malört for you (a phrase we cannot believe we just wrote), the event will also feature a Bloody Mary bar with Malört-infused pickle spears and sport peppers, and $5 Malört shots if you prefer to just drink it straight.

The J.P. Wienerlört launch will also serve as an official welcome for the Wieners Circle's newly renovated space, including the 250-square-foot Relish Room, which has already hosted comedy nights and other events, and the 800-square-foot covered, dog-friendly "Dogwalkers" patio in the former rear parking lot, featuring boozy slushies, draft beer and a Chicago Bulls basketball hoop, among other amenities. The restaurant is also adding new programming, including Trivia Wednesday, Comedy Thursday, Karaoke Friday, Saturday Drag Bingo, and Tame Sundays for Families.

Check out the video announcing this historic meat-and-booze summit, featuring legendary Wieners Circle Roberta "Poochie" Jackson just verbally obliterating a deli customer at J.P. Graziano, and J.P. team members trying to hold their own behind the counter at Wieners Circle.